Halifax, N.S., June 29, 2018 — On Friday, June 29, Halifax Public Libraries and the Halifax Regional Municipality are unveiling Dartmouth North’s newest outdoor hub. The outdoor library is one of the first in Canada—a modern public space that brings together nature, technology, and people.
“Public libraries provide places for exploration and connection,” says Åsa Kachan, Chief Librarian and CEO for Halifax Public Libraries. “Friends can lie on the grass using our iPads and Wifi, and families can gather to watch movies in the open air. With the help of our like-minded partners, we’re unveiling a new community backyard for all to enjoy.”
“We’re proud to unveil this new outdoor space for residents of Dartmouth North. It’s a place for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, play, learn and discover,” says Brad Anguish, Director, Parks and Recreation with the Halifax Regional Municipality. “The playground and outdoor library will serve the community for generations to come.”
The investment in Dartmouth North Community Centre and Library’s outdoor space supports the distinct needs of this community. TD Bank Group provided funding for this project as part of its commitment to help open doors to a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.
"We are thrilled to support the creation of an outdoor library in Dartmouth North that will provide opportunities for the community to connect through their love of reading and nature," says Scott Belton, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD Bank Group. "As our cities and pace of life evolve, spaces like this are critical to ensuring we have a legacy of healthy, vibrant green spaces that everyone can enjoy."
An additional $250,000 investment by the Government of Canada was allocated under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), a $300 million fund established to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday through investments in the community spaces that bring Canadians together. Of that amount, up to $33.2 million was invested in Atlantic Canada.
“Our government is committed to projects like this renovation, which strengthens the region’s community-building capacity and the quality of life of the people whose daily lives are enriched by this facility and its programming,” says Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
To celebrate the grand opening of the outdoor library and playground, Halifax Public Libraries and the Halifax Regional Municipality are planning the Dartmouth North Summer Celebration on Friday, June 29 from 2-3:30 p.m. All are invited to connect and explore.
